Pumpkin Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pumpkin Glacier |
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 Pumpkin Glacier
Location in Montana
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Glacier National Park, Flathead County, Montana, United States |
| Coordinates | 48°35′03″N 113°39′27″W / 48.58417°N 113.65750°W |
| Area | Pumpkin and Pumpelly Glaciers combined cover 310 acres (1.3 km2) in 2005 |
| Terminus | Barren rock |
| Status | Retreating |
Pumpkin Glacier is a fascinating natural ice formation. It is located in Glacier National Park, which is in the state of Montana in the United States. This glacier is found northeast of Blackfoot Mountain. It is also very close to another glacier called Pumpelly Glacier. These two glaciers are separated by cracks in the ice, known as crevasses.
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What is Pumpkin Glacier?
Pumpkin Glacier is a type of mountain glacier. This means it forms in high mountain areas. It flows slowly down valleys or slopes. Glaciers are like very slow-moving rivers of ice. They are formed over many years as snow piles up and gets compressed.
Where is Pumpkin Glacier Located?
This glacier is nestled within the beautiful Glacier National Park. This park is famous for its stunning mountains and, of course, its glaciers. Pumpkin Glacier is found in Flathead County, Montana. It sits just west of the Continental Divide. The Continental Divide is like a giant line across North America. It separates which way rivers flow. Rivers on one side flow to the Atlantic Ocean. Rivers on the other side flow to the Pacific Ocean.
How Big is Pumpkin Glacier?
Pumpkin Glacier covers about 35 acres (0.14 km2) of land. It is found at high elevations. Its highest parts are around 8,500 feet (2,600 m) above sea level. The lower parts are about 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above sea level. When combined with its neighbor, Pumpelly Glacier, they covered 310 acres (1.3 km2) in 2005.
Why are Glaciers Shrinking?
Like many glaciers around the world, Pumpkin Glacier is getting smaller. Scientists call this "retreating." This means the glacier is melting faster than new snow can build it up. Between 1966 and 2005, the combined area of Pumpkin and Pumpelly Glaciers shrank by 15 percent. This shrinking is a sign of changes in Earth's climate. It shows how important it is to understand and protect our planet's natural wonders.
